Taiwan health minister assures control over medical fees

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan stated Thursday (March 7) that intense competition among Taiwan medical institutions would result in some restraint and curbing on institutions from drastically increasing registration fees.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare confirmed that it is ceasing the use of the "Recommended Range for Registration Fees for Medical Facilities." Instead, consultation registration fees will return to market mechanisms. Hence, the public worries that such fees will sharply increase.

In an interview, Hsueh stated that even though registration fee adjustments no longer need to be reported to the Department of Health, it should demand institutions under its jurisdiction to submit their fee-charging situation. It will scrutinize for collusion and report any issues to the Fair Trade Commission for investigation.

Hsueh elaborated that the Department of Health can intervene in situations involving regional monopolies or exclusivities in areas with a shortage of resources.

Hsueh said the Department of Health must investigate improper charging situations in hospitals, including hospitals charging self-payment items under different labels, to prevent unlawful behavior.